A Conversation with Dave Thompson

Описание: Sam and Calen sit down with Dave Thompson, Victoria City Councillor, for an honest conversation about homelessness and the challenges facing the city. Drawing on his background in law, economics, climate policy, and governance, Dave shares his perspective on housing, public safety, and what it will take to build a more livable and sustainable Victoria.

Timestamp

00:00 – Intro & community table story
02:15 – Acknowledging the Tumblr Ridge shooting & importance of unity
04:45 – Toxic drug crisis: fentanyl, tranquillizers & rising overdose trends
08:40 – Senior overdose increase & changing drug supply
13:10 – Involuntary care, Mental Health Act & capacity challenges
16:30 – Police mental health app & coordinated response
17:30 – Policing vs social work (80–90% non-criminal calls)
20:40 – Pandora Street, supportive housing & the “housing flow” concept
23:00 – Moving people from shelters → housing → market rentals
25:00 – High barrier vs low barrier housing & individualized care
27:30 – Indigenous-led housing models & cultural approaches
31:00 – Public safety perception vs data
37:00 – Four-year political cycles vs long-term city vision
41:00 – Making better public spaces (trees, plazas, infrastructure planning)
46:30 – City staffing growth, attrition & budget pressures
48:30 – Construction inflation & capital project overruns
52:00 – Infrastructure deferral vs long-term cost consequences
54:30 – Trade diversification, China, Europe & structural economic shifts
1:05:00 – Dave Thompson running again & campaign reflections
1:08:00 – Communication gaps, bail reform & telling the story better
1:11:30 – Closing reflections & outro

👉 Watch full episodes on CHEK MEDIA: https://bit.ly/4kVNXAT
📺 YouTube: @breadandbuttercollective
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream
🌐 Learn more: www.breadandbuttercollective.com

#breadandbutterpodcast #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #coffee #victoriabc #hospitalityindustry #lifelessons